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Standard Stratocaster

Fender Standard Telecaster And Stratocaster Review - Worthy Contenders?

There are no more iconic guitars than the Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster models. For over 50 years, these guitars have been cherished by players from every genre and style. Obviously, Fender itself has a lot to live up to when it puts the name "Telecaster" or "Stratocaster on a guitar.

The "Standard" series of instruments, including the admired Stratocaster and Telecaster, are part of this legacy. Made in the Fender facility in Ensenada, Mexico, these "Made In Mexico" or MIM instruments represent superb value for the buck, but are often maligned as being far inferior to their USA-made counterparts. Is that really the case? Let's see!

Based on my years of experience with these guitars, the main departure between a USA Fender and MIM Fender is the quality of the hardware more than the quality of the guitars themselves. The tuners, pickups, bridges, and electronics tend to be a bit lesser quality on the MIM models than the USA ones.

However, the quality of the fretwork, finish, and broad construction of the MIM models is much better than most individuals believe. We recently tested a late 2009 Standard Stratocaster and 2009 Standard Telecaster that were both "off the rack," and in both cases the build quality was top-flight. We could recognize no real difference in playability or quality of construction between the MIM and the USA models.

That's not to say there aren't significant differences. Again, quality of the tuners, pickups, and bridges on the Standard models are inferior to the USA models, but not in a way that renders the Standard series unworthy of your attention. The USA models also include a quality hardshell case whereas the MIM models include a practical gig bag.

Nevertheless, in both cases, the MIM Stratocaster and MIM Telecaster were the "real" deal. The Stratocaster could create everything from convincing Hendrix, Clapton, and Gilmour tones, while the Telecaster spat out some hot country licks with ease. Both instruments played and sounded like a guitar that should cost twice as much.

In fact, some of our favorite guitars are MIM model Stratocasters or Telecasters that we've "hot-rodded" to our own specs. For less than the price of a new USA Strat or Tele, you could buy a MIM model, replace the pickups, tuners, and bridge, and end up with your own personal "Super Strat."

Don't let rumors or unsupported claims prescribe your buying decisions. Mexican-made Fender Strats and Teles are a fantastic value for the dollar and are musical instruments that we personally recommend without qualification.

About the Author

If you are searching for the absolute cheapest price on a Fender Standard Stratocaster or Fender Standard Telecaster, then you need to visit Ray's Guitar Shop immediately. From Fender to Gibson to PRS to B. C. Rich, Ray's Guitar Shop has the best prices on all used and new electric and acoustic guitars. Visit their site today!

Is there a difference in quality between the Fender Mexican Stratocaster and an American Standard Stratocaster?

I was wondering... they're both Fenders, but the Mexican is cheaper..? What's the differences in quality, if any, and why is the Meican cheaper?

It's just cheaper to build the guitars in Mexico. There may be subtle (VERY subtle) differances in tone, but the Mexican series sounds amazing, especially for the difference in price.

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